baffle

1 of 2

verb

baf·​fle ˈba-fəl How to pronounce baffle (audio)
baffled; baffling ˈba-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffle (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to defeat or check (someone) by confusing or puzzling : to confuse or frustrate completely : disconcert
Her behavior baffled her parents.
2
: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle (see baffle entry 2)
baffle the steam
bafflement noun
baffler noun

baffle

2 of 2

noun

: a device (such as a plate, wall, or screen) to deflect, check, or regulate flow or passage (as of a fluid, light, or sound)
Choose the Right Synonym for baffle

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal.

frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent.

frustrated attempts at government reform

thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing.

the army thwarted his attempt at a coup

foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort.

foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her

baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling.

baffled by the maze of rules and regulations

balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances.

officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

Examples of baffle in a Sentence

Verb I was baffled by many of the scientific terms used in the article. the language barrier baffled everyone and discouraged us from attempting another teleconference
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Monday, city staff presented the finding to San Diego City Council members, some of whom were baffled by the conclusion. Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024 At the time, though, the objections to her goals were baffling. Molly Fischer, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Their conversations prompted a ton of chatter among fans, who were baffled as to why the couple felt a condom wasn't effective enough to prevent a pregnancy. Joelle Goldstein, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Some praise it as a high delicacy while others seemed baffled by it altogether. Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2024 Attwell reversed his decision and sent off Holgate, who seemed hurt, dismayed, baffled. Rory Smith, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 These additional hurdles are baffling to the organizers, many of whom have run GoFundMe campaigns for other causes and have never encountered this extra red tape. Mia Sato, The Verge, 29 Feb. 2024 You might be baffled by her choices, but harshly judging her won’t help either of you. Amy Dickinson, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024 Kim and Andrew also talk about NASA's Mars simulator and demystify baffling Gen Z slang. Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024
Noun
The baffle box construction prevents shifting and ensures even distribution of warmth. Kayla Kitts, Peoplemag, 15 Feb. 2024 This all-season duvet insert is filled with fluffy feather down and has a baffle box design to ensure feathers stay evenly distributed. Dhara Patel, Peoplemag, 27 Nov. 2023 The entry to the tunnels is also designed using tunnel baffles to help prevent hands or paws from reaching in. Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2023 Its baffle box design means the fluffy down stays in place to give you nice warmth and loft. Good Housekeeping, 7 Sep. 2023 Sleep like a baby throughout the night with the curved internal baffles that cradle your head and a scalloped bottom edge that cushions tired shoulders. Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2023 How to Clean a Garbage Disposal With Soap, Baking Soda and Vinegar Use a sponge and dish soap to clean the disposal baffle and around the drain. Mariah Thomas, Good Housekeeping, 31 July 2023 The Sonus Faber Stradivari is thus aptly named, as its wide front baffle and sensuous form recall the hollow body of a violin. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 May 2023 To detach can lights from your ceiling to properly clean the baffle (the baffle is the conical cover typically found on recessed lighting fixtures) and the can light's housing: Remove the light bulb. Maryal Miller, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'baffle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably alteration of Middle English (Scots) bawchillen to denounce, discredit publicly

Noun

noun derivative of baffle entry 1

First Known Use

Verb

1675, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1881, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of baffle was in 1675

Dictionary Entries Near baffle

Cite this Entry

“Baffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baffle. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

baffle

1 of 2 verb
baf·​fle ˈbaf-əl How to pronounce baffle (audio)
baffled; baffling ˈbaf-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce baffle (audio)
1
: to defeat or check by confusing : perplex
2
: to check or break the force or flow of by or as if by a baffle
bafflement noun
baffler noun

baffle

2 of 2 noun
: a device (as a wall or screen) to turn aside, check, or regulate flow (as of a fluid, light, or sound)

More from Merriam-Webster on baffle

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